Chase Reid is a top prospect in the upcoming 2026 NHL Draft. This blueliner has a lot of attributes that make scouts and fans salivate. He’s very talented, he’s playing and going to play on all the right teams, so now is a good time to check in on his progress so far this season.
This right-handed shot defenseman has a lot of gifts. Would I draft him first overall? No, I wouldn’t. Do I think he’s the top defenseman in the draft, again, no, I don’t.
Reid is a terrific skater with great stick and puck control. During the recent CHL/USA prospects challenge, he had some ups and downs. More ups, and a nice goal off a great one-timer, but all in all, I felt like he has work to do, and the good news is it’s early in the season, so it can.
His offensive numbers in the OHL are great. He has 28 points in 25 games for the Soo Greyhounds so far this season. Let’s see what happens during the season when he plays in some international tournaments. That will tell me some more about him.
Reid is a gifted passer. At 6’2”, 185 pounds already, he has nice zip on his passes. That’s something that usually happens over time when players find their man strength, but he has that already. Another sign of maturity is his poise with the puck. I’ve been impressed by that as well.
According to InStat, Reid has been winning 62% of his puck battles. I felt like he lost a few more than he’s used to against the U.S. team. That’s something I will keep an eye on during this season.
Reid will go to Michigan State. It will be interesting if Porter Martone, Shane Vansaghi, and Ryker Lee will still be there. If they get close to winning it all this year, they may stay to play with Reid because he could be that player who puts them over the top.
I love how he walks the line on the power play. He knows when to jump into the play. He’s very smart. He’s a top 10 pick all day long. The question is, how high can he go? My list will come out after the World Juniors, where the Michigan native will have a good shot at making the team.
